88rising's collective of rappers (of asian heritage only) is currently riding a huge wave after the release of a new compilation album, as you can hear on songs like "Peach Jam" or the aptly named "Midsummer Madness" which sound like pure summer. According to Rich Brian, this was the intention: "We wanted to make a timeless record, and really create the soundtrack of summer, because summer is a feeling, a whole vibe."
This song, though, is a different vibe. "Red Rubies" sounds like the darker side of summer, where you can feel your "soul running away" after months of partying. The production, which sounds like steel drums heard underwater, is less upbeat than the rest of the album but is still captivating and works perfectly with Yung Bans' lazy sing-song flow and Rich Brian's baritone.
Stream the whole album here.
Quotable Lyrics
Rubies dancing to help me take your bitch from you
Still hit me up but I'd rather choose to ignore you
What's the need for college at this point if we gon' be honest
Fuckin' all night to stay up, she can't afford coffee.